Chapter 4: The Handsome Must Die

Sora took them out one by one, seemingly pulling them casually from the waist pouch wrapped around his waist—though in reality, he had reinforced them to prevent damage—and lined them up in front of him as he sat on the ground.

This was a jewel.

Rubies, Sapphires, diamonds, and emeralds, of all sizes, only about as big as a pinky fingernail.

There were some natural stones that were quite useful, such as Crystal, but they were all high-quality items worthy of a two-star Stone Hunter's glasses.

After checking them all, he picked up a ruby, wrapped it in both hands, and closed his eyes.

Convince yourself that the jewel in your palm is an extension of your own hand, then turn on the switch for your internal Magic Circuit.

This is another major difference between a Nen User and a mage.

Therefore, Sora can switch from "Ten" to "Zetsu" faster than a psychic, or execute "Ken" on parts with Magic Circuits, but at the same time, he can change the amount of Aura, making it flow just as he says. This is also the second reason why I am not good at "Ryu".

Also, Magic Circuits are something people are born with, but they are initially closed and dormant, like a mirror, and can be opened through Training.

From there, they can be opened and closed at will, but unlike Nen Users, the opening and closing are distinct, so when turning on the switch, certain words are used as keywords, and those actions that reproduce the triggering of the electrical circuit are mainstream.

In Sora's case, her parents, who were master mages, did not think she was a talented girl, so they only gave her minimal, rough guidance. Self-harm was the switch, although this meant poking a Needle into my fingertip.

Bleeding like this, I could finally imagine releasing the Mana produced by the Magic Circuit to the outside and fixing the Mana onto the jewel, but now I don't need that kind of self-harm.

Normally, from the moment the circuit is opened, the switch does not change, but three years later, I drew this opportunity on a painting, making all the dormant circuits that had not yet been fully opened go all out.

There was a person who lost the color of their hair, struggling, struggling, and escaping the world.

So, what she needs now is not self-harm, but the words she wished for at that time.

"—I don't want to die."

Sora wrapped the jewel in his palm, closed his eyes, and muttered in the Pitch Darkness.

"I don't want to die."

A very instinctive, primitive desire.

"I don't want to die."

Even if it is a place they must eventually land and cannot escape, Sora cannot endure it.

"I don't want to die."

Even if you don't have a belief you want to Stick to,

Even if you don't have a dream you want to realize,

Even if I cannot answer the purpose of my living...

"I don't want to die."

That is why everything is born as it is, and everything returns; I do not want to melt inside the sky.

Saying this wish, the Mana converted from the Aura flowing from the opened Magic Circuit, along with Life Force, was injected into the jewel through the extension of his palm.

If you open your eyes and look at the ruby in your palm against the moonlight filtering in from the window, even if you are an amateur at Nen or jewels, if you have a little intuition, the ruby will be brighter; more importantly, you can see that the size, cut, color, and brightness have not changed, but somehow it has become something attractive.

If you are a Nen User, it goes without saying.

I wonder if any Nen User can understand what kind of effect is produced when Sora's Aura is completely wrapped around the jewel.

"Alright, alright... although it's late, why am I better at learning Magic from a young witch than being taught by a mage parent or a mage elder? Well, my parents and the elder, I know it's because you didn't tell me enough."

Saying it was truly late, he put away the ruby filled with Mana, used the same method to transmit Mana to other jewels for repair, and reinforced his own weapons and Magic rituals.

Just as the Mana was full, the Mobile Phone rang; the museum was empty at night, and Sora jumped up and picked up the phone.

"Hmm, what's wrong, Master? I was really surprised just now."

"... Law. If you are scared by a phone call asking if there is a problem, does that mean you are not concentrating?"

"A..."

The first thing I noticed was that I had blown myself up too loudly. Gave up.

I remember this woman has done this once before.

"No, I wasn't being lazy and sleeping!

So, I was just surprised because it was just time to rest after finishing!"

"First of all, what are you doing now!? How about finishing it at noon! You are not good at 'En', so cheer up!!"

I tried to make excuses, but a reasonable sermon came back; Sora listened to the phone and avoided the sermon.

By the way, the reason Sora is not good at "En" is because of the Magic Circuit.

Since the Aura has a clear circulation path inside the body, it is difficult to leave the body, so spreading the Aura to a wide range of "En" is Sora's weakest point, even more so than "Ken" and "Ryu".

On the other hand, because it is difficult for the Aura to be emitted, especially in parts with Magic Circuits like the head and limbs, the improvement in "Hardness" is surprisingly good.

Moreover, thanks to the Enhancement system and the Magic Circuit, the amount of Aura far exceeds the average, and Sora already surpasses Biscuit in attack power with "Hardness" alone. Thoroughly, she is a woman who only has anxiety elements in terms of defense.

"Yes, I'm sorry."

A completely insincere reply made Biscuit's veins burst, but even if he were angry now, he wouldn't feel pain or itch, so he would be angry after work and then go to the exhibition. The Collector himself, having finished his work tonight, guarded the jewels that had been brought to the museum and joined them. Telling himself.

"Also, Sora. Do you understand?

Your job is to protect the jewels. I know? Jewels, jewels! It's not about you, but about you using yourself as a shield to protect the jewels!?"

Just because it's troublesome, don't let the whole museum collapse!!"

"I will do my best!!"

"Don't deceive me with a loud reply! Your 'good place' is 'maybe you will forget, but if you remember, you might do it'!!"

After confirming the thing she cared about most, Biscuit received a reply that gave him a headache, and sure enough, she roared at him again.

Of course, even for Biscuit, Sora's life was more important than work responsibilities, trust, and the jewels themselves, so he thought that even if he died, he should not prioritize protecting his work and the jewels. If five or six bones were broken, I would rather reflect.

And since this disciple has a history of having come to this world, he knows that no matter what sacrifice he makes, his own survival is his top priority. None.

However, Sora also has a part of him that, like himself, respects and strives to protect the lives of "others," and perhaps because of this, he is quite indifferent to the destruction and sacrifices related to goods and buildings.

Knowing this clearly, when Biscuit signed the official contract for this job, he decided to gather the Collector and the jewels in one place, or Sora and he would guard it together, or Sora would act as the Collector's bodyguard, but my request was rejected because I was a despotic snob, and I was the cutest and most timid employer.

I have a lot of pride, so I don't want to cancel the exhibition. But I don't want a robbery by someone with a Nen Ability who wants the Jewel in an art museum.

I want you to protect yourself and the Jewel, but you cannot trust the amateur Sora who has no household registration, other than the Professional Hunter Biscuit Krueger who looks like a child.

Most importantly, even if it is explained that he was under Manipulation and that he was already dead when the Antenna was stabbed, he doesn't want to keep him around, because Sora is afraid of being stabbed and losing his Nen Ability, that jerk on his thigh. I guess.

Bisque thinks this is the main reason Sora is guarding the museum alone instead of guarding his employer, despite Biscuit's negotiations and persuasion.

For now, Bisque and Sora have both agreed, as this is not a bad decision in itself. If there are many people who don't get along with a Manipulation-type ability user, it's equivalent to handing weapons to them, so it's not a bad thing to let Sora do it alone.

Even so, although Biscuit is annoyed by the fact that Sora is treated as a reject rather than as a person, the person himself is uneasy about being rejected and intends to destroy him on purpose. Better comments and answers.

"It's fine~. As expected, if the building collapses, I'll be in danger; at most, I'll just smash the pillars, floors, walls, ceilings, and exhibits!"

Biscuit doesn't even want to say it's the entire museum.

Half the time, I give up on saying anything to this stupid apprentice. If it were just the pillars, floors, walls, ceilings, and exhibits, the other half would be better.

Bisque knows that this disciple is capable of "accidentally" causing the art museum to collapse instantly, to the point where it would actually be better.

"... Just protecting the exhibits is enough."

The instructions given were too few, and Biscuit started thinking about what to do for an excuse for the museum being destroyed, to which the disciple replied: "Please~."

The sound of intruders breaking into the range of Biscuit's "En" and the sound of the museum's window glass shattering rang out simultaneously.

Knowing that the other end of the phone was also being attacked at the same time, Biscuit gave no instructions, hung up the phone directly, and headed straight for her employer, the cashier's room.

If I am attacked and the battle has already begun, it is useless to say anything to Sora, so I will not say anything.

That stupid apprentice acts on his own, no matter how clumsy and pathetic, believing that he can survive by paying something; Bisque kicked open the boss's door, causing a panic and commotion, which is the most troublesome. So I decided to take a Sword to the medulla oblongata of the employer who was stunned by Biscuit's exciting return, and put him to sleep for a while.

It took less than a few minutes for Biscuit's judgment to be proven correct.

"Is that so?"

"Ah, without a doubt. It's Biscuit Krueger, a Two-Star Hunter."

"You really are like a child."

When I sensed the signs of "Yen," three people with high-level Nen Ability whom I knew. A short man in a black robe, a girl in traditional Japan clothing, and a beautiful woman in a miniskirt suit with her chest wide open, all headed straight for Bisque's employer's room.

At the same time, carrying a thick scent of blood.

Except for Biscuit, they also hired Portgas; although their abilities had reached the point of mastering the four major systems, the three of them were far from being injured, looking slightly exhausted and covered in blood. Instead, he came to me calmly and chatted with his friends.

On the surface, he seemed to be deceived by Biscuit's appearance, thinking he could afford it, but Biscuit's observational eyes based on life experience told him otherwise.

These three treat killing, fighting Nen users, and being on the verge of death as daily events.

That is why I do not look at Biscuit more than necessary. They know very well that being too cautious will narrow their field of vision, make their thoughts and actions rigid, and never take their eyes off her.

Even if one person looks troublesome, three people are truly formidable.

"You guys, how do you know me?"

Biscuit is not the type to actively show her face and sell her name in front of the Media, but she is not the type to hide her existence either, so if he only knew her name and achievements as a Hunter, he would ignore it. Rather than saying they happened to see a Professional Hunter they knew, there was a subtle difference; they knew they were here from the beginning, or they were looking for themselves instead of the employer, so I didn't expect an answer. I don't know, but I tried to ask.

Immediately after, a beautiful woman ignored Biscuit's question and asked from the other side.

But this question was almost the answer to Biscuit's question.

"You are the master of Sora, aren't you?"

I knew from that question.

These three people have no hostility toward their employer, nor were they hired to kill them.

The purpose is to guess my own stupid apprentice.

Temporarily accepting Biscuit's nervous expression as confirmation, the man took out an umbrella, and the girl took a sewing Needle from the pillow-shaped object on her wrist.

Then the woman gently raised her right hand and told Biscuit.

"It would be better if you spoke calmly about that child's ability."

"... That's what I said, children. It's best to tuck your tails and go home now, but what are you going to do?"

Smiled at by the woman's words, Biscuit struck a pose.

Through so much communication, I understood what they were looking for, and I was able to smile earnestly.

These three are probably comrades-in-arms of the Manipulation ability user who manipulated the man during the day. I don't know if he wants Sora's power or is afraid of knowing that he can invalidate Nen Ability in one blow, but that doesn't matter.

Either way, requests are meaningless.

"Which one is the hungry ghost?"

The man was displeased with Biscuit's reaction, muttered intermittently, and raised his umbrella.

Biscuit looked at it with eyes that made him dumbfounded.

There are two reasons why their requests are meaningless.

One is that no matter what kind of torture Biscuit is subjected to, she has no intention of revealing any information about Sora, let alone Sora's ability.

On the other hand, even if he is manipulated by a Manipulation-type ability, even if he can steal information by reading his thoughts through a Specialization-type ability, even if he understands the power of Sora's "eyes," it cannot be used. If it doesn't exist, there are limited ways to deal with it.

If it exists, if it is still alive, whether it is dead or intangible, even a god cannot escape it.

As for Sora, who was facing three masters while Bisque was away...

"Gyaa!! Foul, foul, foul! Impossible, impossible, impossible!!

Why are there guys like Tohsaka Rin and Luvia everywhere in this world who can strafe Gander like a Gatling gun!?"

While guarding against the melee Bullets ejected from all directions, he immediately forgot the instruction to "only protect the exhibits" and ran around the museum.

Two people broke the museum's glass and broke in. One of the bodies was the same corpse that Sora killed during the day and had already been manipulated.

Furthermore, if you think you have created a palm-sized mass of Qi, then if you hit it on the ground like a ball, the aura will split into fragments the size of a Table Tennis ball, just like hitting a super ball; because it can eject Bullets everywhere, it is a natural enemy for Sora, who is not good at "En," not good at defense, and not good at close-quarters combat.

The only consolation is that the power of the Nen Bullet is not very high, perhaps because the Bullets are scattered and jumping, so the power of the Nen Bullet is not very high. At the very least, the hope that Biscuit gave up on has been realized in a place unrelated to Sora.

Shalnark, the gentle blond man slightly behind the puppet, shouted at the fleeing Sora while operating his Mobile Phone.

"Ahahahaha~ What's wrong? Could it be that you specialize in close-quarters combat and lack the ability to deal with long-range?"

"So cool, Explosion!! You, I will definitely throw you into Gander! My Gander will cause an allergic reaction, but the intensity isn't enough to cause an allergic reaction, so be prepared! It'll just itch for 5 hours!!"

"I don't understand the meaning, but it seems very suitable for Harassment."

Although Shalnark had researched her to a certain extent beforehand, they chatted quite well despite it being their first meeting.

Originally, his Nen Ability was indeed a one-hit wonder, and he was very afraid of being rendered useless by a one-time blunder, not to mention his pride had been hurt beneath his usual gentlemanly smile. So, I made a random request on the Hunter Site and prepared a Puppet called a Professional Hunter as quickly as possible, but Shalnark was actually a bit amused by Sora's abnormal behavior and strange shouting.

No longer approaching this as observing a rare beast, but still the tough brain of the Brigade, Shalnark watched Sora's "ability" with his usual smile.

Based on my previous remarks, I cannot make a promise, but since I cannot cancel my Nen Bullet, and I usually use "Hard" to protect myself, I couldn't help but think there was a complex procedure, like Chrollo's ability, to judge whether it was necessary or if one couldn't help but get close.

At the same time, the mysterious word "Gander" was likely a Nen Bullet, so he guessed it from the conversation and Sora's monologue, so it seems he can't use it with the Puppet's Nen Bullet right now, but it also supports long-range combat, which he saw was possible.

(It's time)

"Hurry and cut off your aura!! Once your aura is exhausted, I will definitely choose Lady Forklift!!"

"What kind of technique is that? I'm super curious."

The moment Shalnark became interested in the name of this technique, a combination of words that shouldn't have been paired, he felt an aura spread out, and both Sora and Shalnark turned their gazes in that direction.

Both of their dynamic vision was much stronger than an ordinary person's, but even so, those who jumped out from the shattered glass window could only be seen as black masses.

The moment they realized that what looked like a black mass was human, one of the arms of the Shalnark Puppet was severed by the intruder's "Hard" Sword.

Shalnark opened his eyes slightly, wiped the suspicious smile from his face, and leaped backward with the puppet to keep his distance from the intruder.

Sora, watching the series of movements, looked bewildered; it was an intruder, a man in a mourning-like black suit with black hair and glasses, a different type from Shalnark but no less inferior. He was running toward Sora.

"Are you Sora Hiori?"

"Who are you, Handsome Number Two? Explode."

"Teeth?"

The man was told to "Explode" right from the start and was momentarily at a loss, but he ignored these words for the time being and answered Sora's question.

"Ah, I am a Hunter hired by the same employer as you. An attack occurred over there, and your master asked me to go help the apprentice."

"I see. Thank you, handsome! Explosion!"

"Why!?"

Even though I explained and came to help, I couldn't ignore the fact that even after receiving thanks, I was asked to show a pretty smile.

"…Hmm, is that a bit of a loss?"

Shalnark also covered his mouth with his hand to hold back his laughter, while calmly grasping the current situation and muttering to himself.

The man who didn't miss that whisper recovered from Sora's mysterious and vague words and said to her.

"For now, protecting the exhibits is the top priority."

"Yes, yes, please."

To the man's words, Sora answered too casually.

I walked closer as if to protect myself, and my index finger reached from behind to the neck of the man who was confronting Shalnark and the puppet.

"Gander."

Like a gunman in a Western movie blowing on the smoke rising from the muzzle of his gun, Sora grinned at the man facing her.

"Ahahahaha! Commander, are you okay? It seems like getting hit by that melee bullet will make you itch for five hours."

"What is that? Is it Harassment?"

When the fingertip pointed at the laughing Shalnark, the black-clad intruder suddenly jumped away and walked toward him.

There was a distinct cross Tattoo on his forehead.

"It's a pity you went to such lengths to disguise yourself, only to be discovered immediately, Commander, hahahaha!"

"Shut up, Shalnark."

Chrollo tilted his head and glared at Shalnark, who was laughing out loud. Although the Leader and his subordinate were childhood friends, Shalnark couldn't help but laugh, continuing to hold his stomach with teary eyes.

As the Leader of the Phantom Troupe, Chrollo always gave orders, but he knew very well that Chrollo wasn't a guy who would blindly follow what Chrollo said, so he let him go talk to Sora.

"Even so, you noticed immediately."

It couldn't be called a compliment, but Sora put her hands on her waist and answered Chrollo's words proudly, with a hint of admiration implied.

"Hmph! You'd definitely notice! Even if my old hag beats me up and tells me not to overdo it, it doesn't matter, but I won't bring others to help me!! And also, handsome men with good personalities don't exist, so I basically don't trust handsome men!!"

Finally, when Chrollo and Shalnark pointed at him, Shalnark burst out again, and Chrollo asked with his usual relaxed smile.

"What grudge do you have against handsome men?"

Sora: "No, nothing in particular."

For Sora, "Explosion" is a greeting when meeting a handsome man.

Also, if you are looking forward to it, I am sorry, but I have no plans to write a battle scene for Biscuit.

Biscuit's combat is a macho version, and it's unclear if he has close-quarters combat ability or if he has special combat abilities other than Magic aesthetics, so I think it's better not to write it.

By the way, I really wanted Sora to use Lady Forklift in the main story, but I'm worried because it's too surreal that anyone could use it.

Now, Hisoka would be the best candidate for this technique, but I don't like that he would look happy even if he got it.

Right now, Hisoka is the best candidate for this technique, but I don't like that he looks so happy even after obtaining it.